Re: [casi] Franks admits US bribed Iraqi Generals

From: bob.steel1@DELETETHISjuno.com

Subject: Re: [casi] Franks admits US bribed Iraqi Generals

Date: Sat, 24 May 2003 14:55:46 EDT

On Sat, 24 May 2003 04:49:59 -0400 "ppg" <ppg@nyc.rr.com> writes:
>It is no wonder Franks is 'resigning'.. The Iraqis >suspected this from
the beginning.. pg
>US army chief says Iraqi troops took bribes to surrender
>The Pentagon said that bribing the senior officers was a
>cost-effective method of fighting and one that led to >fewer casualties.
The Pentagon is correct -- it was smart tactics. Franks has no need to
regret such actions. The ethical problem is not that bribes were offered
-- although those who accepted bribes might be criticized -- but that the
attack took place at all.
Strategically, however, if the US attacks another nation, some problems
can arise. Leaders might offer large rewards to officers who stay loyal,
at the expense of the people, and might also clamp down on security
resulting in more tyranny. There is also the possibility of using double
agents, where officers would be paid and still remain loyal, and some of
the money could be used to bolster defenses. Also, pubic knowledge of
bribery will tend to anger other nations and lead to further distrust of
the US -- and more deterioration of international relations and
diplomacy.
On the other hand, if the US considers it OK to bribe officers, than why
not a whole nation -- as with North Korea?
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